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Southampton needs to be judged on volume of sales, not bodies through the gate.

I accept that but IMHO falling attendances at boat shows (and LIBS is falling too) could be indicative of a long term decline in interest in boating which of course is bad for the industry. You can bet your bottom dollar that, had the attendance risen by 9%, the industry would have been shouting it from the rooftops however much actual business was done at the show. We've been in a recession for 4 yrs now and I would have expected visitor numbers to have stabilised, albeit at a low level, but a continuing decline should be a concern for the industry.
This is an old hobby horse of mine but I think 3 national boat shows (SIBS, LIBS and NCE) is 1 or 2 too many both for exhibitors and visitors and I think some consolidation of that situation is necessary

They didnt have a kids area this year ( The Beach) , I realize kids dont buy boats but they still have a huge influence and in any event no kids means swmbo has to stay away to look after the kids, does anyone choose buy a boat without swmbo's input ?
Ultimately is there any point in going alone ?

Alright I accept I am probably in the minority or the show organisers would have kept the beach but the parents who didnt realize the beach had been withdrawn this year would have left early no doubt with bored kids and the knock on effect is next year the kids will not want to go.